Gypsum, schist, shells and lapis lazuli statue of Ebih-Il, early Dynastic; Shakkanakku (military governor) of the ancient city-state of Mari in present day eastern Syria, dating from circa 2340 BC or from the Akkadian period of rule Circa 2250 BC.. The statue carries a cuneiform inscription in Akkadian. Excavated from; the temple of Ishtar at Mari by André Parrot in 1934-1935 the statue measures; 52.5 cm (20.7 in) high; 20.6 cm (8.1 in) wide and 30 cm (11.8 in) deep. Department of Oriental Antiquities; Richelieu; ground floor; room 1b; inv AO 17551; Louvre Museum; Paris .<br /> <br /> Ebih-Ils head is shaved. His long beard is composed of vertical curls and has holes drilled, and was formerly inlaid with another, now-lost material. The beard accentuates the figure's cheeks and finely sculpted lips that convey a half-smile. The figure's staring blue eyes were crafted with particular care and attention to detail. A combination of schist, shells and lapis lazuli was used to depict the eyelashes and eyelids, cornea and iris, respectively. The lapis lazuli inlays used were imported from as far east as Afghanistan.<br /> <br /> Visit our ANCIENT WORLD PHOTO COLLECTIONS for more photos to download or buy as wall art prints https://funkystock.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/Ancient-World-Art-Antiquities-Historic-Sites-Pictures-Images-of/C00006u26yqSkDOM<br /> <br /> If you prefer to buy from our ALAMY PHOTO LIBRARY  Collection visit : https://www.alamy.com/portfolio/paul-williams-funkystock  Type -    Louvre Mari   - into the LOWER SEARCH WITHIN GALLERY box
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